The Programs Banks Never Tell You About —And Why You Probably Qualify

Up to $150,000 Toward Your Down Payment

For families where neither parent ever owned a home in the U.S.

Being first-generation doesn't mean your parents were immigrants. It means neither of them ever owned a home. If that's your story — this program was built for you. California shares the cost of your down payment — up to $150,000 or 20% of the purchase price — with no repayment until you sell or refinance.

• ✓Household income up to ~$160,000/year in Los Angeles County (Palmdale & Lancaster)
• ✓Minimum 660 credit score — if you're close, we have a roadmap to get you there before the next funding window
• ✓Funds are allocated by lottery — Antelope Valley families qualify and miss the window every cycle because no one told them in time

The Down Payment You Don't Have — California Lends It to You

Deferred second mortgage — no monthly payment while you live there

You don't need 20% down — or even 5%. CalHFA's assistance can cover your entire down payment. MyHome covers your down payment or closing costs with a loan you don't repay until you sell the home. For Antelope Valley families with steady income but limited savings, this converts 'I don't have the down payment' into 'I have the keys.'

• ✓Income limits $120,000–$180,000 in LA County depending on household size
• ✓Minimum 660 credit — stackable with FHA to reach near-zero out-of-pocket
• ✓Applies to the typical Palmdale/Lancaster price range ($380K–$500K)

For Family Members Who Are Part of Your Purchase

Legal, regulated, available in the Antelope Valley

For family members who may be involved in your purchase — co-signers, parents contributing, partners without an SSN — ITIN loans create a path even without a Social Security number. If you file taxes with an ITIN, you can legally purchase a home in California. Elizabeth is an IRS Certified Acceptance Agent and has closed ITIN loans — not just researched them.

• ✓Minimum 600 credit score — more accessible than most conventional programs
• ✓15–20% down payment; 2 years of ITIN tax returns required
• ✓2-year employment history in the same field (employment or self-employment both qualify)

Just 3.5% Down — The Most Accessible Entry Point

Federally backed, no income limit, flexible credit requirements

Your credit doesn't have to be perfect. FHA works at 580+ — and most buyers are surprised how close they already are. FHA allows home purchase with 3.5% down and a credit score from 580 — ideal for the Palmdale and Lancaster price range. No income cap: a family earning $60K qualifies on the same terms as a family earning $150K. Stack with CalHFA MyHome to potentially reach $0 out of pocket.

• ✓Just 3.5% down with 580+ credit (roughly $13,000–$17,500 in the typical local range)
• ✓No income limit — if you have employment and credit, you qualify regardless of earnings
• ✓Combinable with CalHFA MyHome for near-zero out-of-pocket costs

$0 Down Payment for Those Who Served

Edwards AFB is 20 minutes from Palmdale and Lancaster

If you are a veteran, active duty service member, or eligible surviving spouse, the VA allows you to purchase with zero down, no PMI, and the most competitive rates on the market. Many military families in the Antelope Valley don't know they've already earned this benefit.

• ✓$0 down payment — zero out of pocket for that expense
• ✓No PMI — saves $200–$400/month versus conventional loans
• ✓Applies across Palmdale, Lancaster, Quartz Hill, and Rosamond; local prices fit LA County VA limits